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About GRID-Arendal
GRID-Arendal has an international professional staff, most-
ly located in its headquarters in Arendal, but also with out-
posted offices in Geneva, Switzerland; Ottawa, Canada; and
Stockholm, Sweden. In addition, cutting edge expertise is
recruited on a project basis. Human resources at GRID-
Arendal are presented on the web site
As a UNEP centre, GRID-Arendal has continued during 2005
to further develop and strengthen its core competencies in
the areas of
• Awareness-raising and outreach;
• Building capacities;
• Assessment;
• Innovative tools, methodology and technology. Currently located within the multi-institutional Arendal Sci-
ence Park, Norway, GRID-Arendal purchased a building by
the harbour of Arendal city in 2003, which was launched as
an official UN House in September that year.
During 2005, the planning phase progressed focusing on
eco-efficient renovation materials and construction, as well
as “green” solutions for energy, lighting and ventilation sys-
tems. Renovation started in October 2005. GRID-Arendal
plans to move into the House in October 2006.
The UN House is intended to be an international melting
pot open to and serving the public in the Southern Norway
region.
GRID-Arendal is an official United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) centre located in
southern Norway. Established in 1989 as a Norwegian foundation, GRID-Arendal’s mission is to
provide environmental information, communications and capacity building services for information
management and assessment. GRID-Arendal is fully dedicated to support and strengthen UNEP in
accordance with UNEP’s Governing Council guidelines and work programmes. Together with inter-
national partners, GRID-Arendal’s core focus is to facilitate free access to and exchange of environ-
mental information to support decision-making processes aimed at securing a sustainable future.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as the world’s leading intergovernmental
environmental organization, is the authoritative source of knowledge on the current state of, and
trends shaping the global environment.
Location
Core Competence